Case Studies

sectors > Climate Proofing
Reaping Rich Rewards
TAMIL NADU

THE INITIATIVE

  • Ecological conservation and bio-diversity promotion

THE BENEFICIARIES

  • Over 100 impoverished families without property rights in Meenakshipuram village, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu

THE CHALLENGE

  • Located at an altitude of 1,600 metres, the village had little or no infrastructure
  • In the absence of any collateral, institutional support was nonexistent
  • Few livelihood options
  • Sense of exclusion among villagers

THE SOLUTION

  • Promotion of organic cultivation of crops
  • Creation of Rajiv Gandhi Farmers Club as a formal intermediary channel
  • Solar home lighting under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission with NABARD subsidy and bank loan
  • Alternative livelihood options

THE IMPACT

  • Introduction of natural farming methods
  • Farmers’ Club marketing produce under ‘Sirumalai’ brand. It also owns a pickup van.
  • Village now illuminated with solar power
  • Regular loan repayment